MSI B650 GAMING PLUS WIFI Motherboard vs Gigabyte Z790 AORUS ELITE AX Motherboard - Supports Intel Core 14th CPUs

Price Comparison

The MSI B650 GAMING PLUS WIFI Motherboard is priced at £134.99, significantly more affordable than the Gigabyte Z790 AORUS ELITE AX Motherboard, which retails for £226.99. This price difference of £92 indicates that the MSI model may be more appealing for budget-conscious buyers seeking reliable performance without the need for the latest features. The Gigabyte motherboard, while nearly 68% more expensive, offers advanced capabilities that may justify its higher cost for specific users, particularly those looking to utilise the latest Intel Core 14th generation processors.

Supported Processors

The MSI B650 GAMING PLUS WIFI is designed for Ryzen 9000, 8000, and 7000 series processors, while the Gigabyte Z790 AORUS ELITE AX supports Intel's 12th and 13th generation CPUs, including the latest 14th generation. This distinction is crucial for users who prefer one brand of processor over the other. Those invested in AMD's ecosystem may find the MSI motherboard more fitting, while Intel enthusiasts will benefit from the advanced features of the Gigabyte board, particularly if they plan to upgrade to the newest Intel chips.

Performance and Power Delivery

In terms of power delivery, the MSI B650 GAMING PLUS WIFI employs a 12+2 Duet Rail VRM setup, which is designed to provide robust performance for multi-core processors. In contrast, the Gigabyte Z790 AORUS ELITE AX features a more sophisticated 16+1+2 phases digital VRM solution. This increased phase count suggests that the Gigabyte model can offer better power stability and efficiency, particularly during demanding tasks, making it a more suitable choice for high-performance applications such as gaming and content creation.

Memory Support

The MSI motherboard supports DDR5 memory with four DIMM slots capable of overclocking up to 6400+ MHz. The Gigabyte motherboard also supports dual-channel DDR5 with four SMD DIMMs, but it includes XMP 3.0 memory module support. While both motherboards are equipped for high-speed memory performance, the Gigabyte's XMP 3.0 support may provide a more user-friendly experience for overclocking enthusiasts, allowing for easier and more reliable memory tuning.

Storage Options

When it comes to storage, the MSI B650 GAMING PLUS WIFI includes two M.2 Gen4 x4 slots, facilitating rapid data access with a combined bandwidth of 64Gbps. The Gigabyte Z790 AORUS ELITE AX takes storage a step further with four PCIe 4.0 x4 M.2 connectors, enhancing flexibility for users who need multiple high-speed SSDs. This advantage may appeal to gamers and professionals who require substantial storage capabilities for large files or software.

Cooling Solutions

Cooling is a vital consideration for both motherboards. The MSI B650 GAMING PLUS WIFI features an extended heatsink, MOSFET thermal pads, and a dedicated pump-fan cooling header, which collectively ensure effective thermal management. The Gigabyte Z790 AORUS ELITE AX also boasts advanced thermal design with M.2 Thermal Guard III, which focuses on maintaining performance stability for M.2 SSDs. While both motherboards provide efficient cooling solutions, the Gigabyte’s advanced thermal features could offer a slight edge for high-performance builds that generate more heat under load.

Connectivity Options

Connectivity is another area where the two motherboards differ. The MSI B650 GAMING PLUS WIFI provides Wi-Fi 6E connectivity along with Bluetooth 5.3 and various USB ports, including USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 Type-C. Conversely, the Gigabyte Z790 AORUS ELITE AX also supports Wi-Fi 6E and features an extensive array of connectivity options, including front USB-C 10Gb/s and rear USB-C 20Gb/s ports. This variety in connectivity makes the Gigabyte motherboard a more versatile choice for users looking to connect multiple devices at high speeds.

Which should you buy?

Choosing between the MSI B650 GAMING PLUS WIFI and the Gigabyte Z790 AORUS ELITE AX largely depends on your specific needs and budget. If you're an AMD user looking for a cost-effective option that still delivers solid performance, the MSI motherboard at £134.99 is an excellent choice. However, if you are invested in Intel's ecosystem and require advanced features for high-performance tasks, the Gigabyte motherboard, despite its higher price of £226.99, may provide the performance and flexibility you need. Ultimately, your decision should reflect your processor preference, budget constraints, and performance requirements.